Your winter wellness plan

Winter is a time of hibernation for many animals, and sometimes it feels like humans should be one of them.

It’s often harder to get out of bed to exercise, and it can be comforting to eat stodgy food and indulge in warming beverages of questionable nutritional value.

But letting your health go in the colder months could have more long-term effects on your body and wellbeing, not to mention possibly leaving you more open to those winter lurgies.

So here are some tips to help keep you feeling fabulous all through winter:

1. Get plenty of sleep

Sleep is the key to pretty much everything when it comes to your health and wellbeing. A tired person may make bad food choices, and may try to find more reasons not to exercise. A well-rested person is more likely to choose the side of vegetables instead of chips, and walk rather than catch the bus.

2. Minimise packaged food

A great tip for any time of year, but in winter we tend to reach for some less virtuous treats. If you want a sweet treat, have them sometimes and in small amounts, but make them yourself. That way, you know exactly what ingredients your treat contains, and you’re less likely to overindulge or reach for chocolate or those marshmallows without putting any thought into whether you really want them.

3. Eat vegetables for breakfast

In whatever incarnation you like them. Add some kale or another favourite vegetable to your smoothie. Fry up some mushrooms and spinach to go with your eggs. Add some tomato to your cheese jaffle. Starting the day with vegetables means you’re already ahead on your daily veg quota and more likely to make smarter food choices during the rest of the day.

4. Dry brush your skin before you shower

Using a natural bristle brush with a long handle to ‘dry brush’ your skin for a few minutes before hopping into the shower. Starting at your feet gently brush in long movements towards your heart. Dry brushing can help you get rid of dead skin cells and boost circulation. Moisturising your skin afterwards can help keep your skin feeling soft and help protect it.

5. Hit the gym classes

It can be harder to be motivated to get out on your own when it’s dark outside. So if you usually exercise outdoors, try heading to your local gym. And the great thing about gym classes is that you sometimes only need enough motivation to get dressed and turn up. Once you’re there, the motivation is usually someone else’s job and you’ll be carried along for the ride.

Carolyn Tate is a freelance writer, and managing editor at Champagne Cartel. She has a special interest in women’s health and wellbeing, and thinks every woman should take time out for herself on a regular basis.